Bermuda Grass Around a Salt Water Pool

Maintain a barrier between your Bermuda turf and saltwater pool.

With salinity levels much like your own teardrops, saltwater pools use an electrical generator to turn salt into chlorine for a healthy swimming environment. Surrounding your saltwater pool with plants provides a natural appearance, but some species can be significantly harmed by saltwater exposure. Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon), hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through 10, grows abundantly around your saltwater pool with proper care.

Growing Environment

Being a warm-season grass, Bermuda turf grows vigorously between spring and fall in a full sunlight location; it dies back significantly if shade persists. This tough turf species acclimates well to many soil types, including coastal regions prone to high salt concentrations. Prune away any overhanging tree limbs to prevent plant debris falling into the pool or shading the Bermuda grass.

Salt Content

Typical saltwater pools do not simulate an ocean's salinity. For example, oceans have an average salt concentration of 35,000 parts per million compared to an average 3,250 ppm in saltwater pools. Although the salt content is relatively low, do not plant salt-sensitive plants near the water. Bermuda grass has thick and strong blades, making it resilient in stressful salt environments. However, do not water your Bermuda grass with your pool water; some saltwater exposure is acceptable, but dousing the turf with saltwater consistently can cause dieback.

Spacing

Your saltwater pool design should have a barrier between the Bermuda grass and the water. Concrete or stone walkways decorating the pool's perimeter are common design choices. Along with separating the saltwater from the grass, this barrier prevents Bermuda from spreading into the pool. Bermuda stolons are particularly aggressive growers and spread vigorously in warm conditions; this turfgrass is known as an invasive species in some locations. Prune these spreading stems consistently to preserve your pool's water quality and aesthetic appeal. Irrigate your Bermuda approximately once a week with 1 inch of garden hose water to keep the turf green and healthy.

Flood Consideration

According to Texas A & M University AgriLife Extension, Bermuda grass has the ability to stay submerged in salty water for up to 96 hours and can recover once waters subside. If your saltwater pool floods and causes standing water on your nearby Bermuda, clear the area within this 96 hour threshold to preserve your turf. Bermuda decays and dies back if left underwater for more than 96 hours.

About the Author

Writing professionally since 2010, Amy Rodriguez cultivates successful cacti, succulents, bulbs, carnivorous plants and orchids at home. With an electronics degree and more than 10 years of experience, she applies her love of gadgets to the gardening world as she continues her education through college classes and gardening activities.